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SAKHIR, Bahrain – Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix.
The Mercedes team said in a statement Tuesday that Hamilton was tested three times last week and returned a negative result each time, the latest on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit.
“I am devastated that I will not race this weekend.” Hamilton tweeted. “Since we started the season in June, my team and I have been taking every possible precaution and following regulations everywhere we have been to stay safe.
“Unfortunately, even though I got three negative results last week, I woke up (Monday) morning with mild symptoms and requested another test that came back positive.”
Hamilton is isolated according to Bahrain health protocols.
“Other than mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, and the entire team sends him their best wishes for a speedy recovery,” the team statement said.
Hamilton, 35, looked exhausted at the end of the Bahrain GP, which was marred by a crash that left Romain Grosjean with minor burns to his hands and ankles after his Haas car crashed and burst into flames moments later. of the exit. .
“It’s physical, this track has always been physical. We have a lot of high-speed corners so I was definitely feeling it, “said Hamilton after Sunday’s race. “I was slipping a lot and I wasn’t really sure how it would play out in the end.”
There is another race in Bahrain on Sunday, at the shorter Sakhir outdoor circuit, before the 17-race season in Abu Dhabi concludes.
Hamilton clinched the drivers’ championship last month in Turkey and has a huge lead in the standings with 332 points, well ahead of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas (201) and Max Verstappen (189).
He has won 11 races this season. But his absence at Sakhir means he won’t be able to win a 13th and match Sebastian Vettel’s record, set in 2013 with Red Bull.
Hamilton is also missing, for now, to clinch a 100th pole position. His pole position last weekend was 98th. Record of his career.
The Mercedes team said it would announce a replacement driver later in the week. Reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne was already scheduled to travel to Bahrain after Formula E testing in Valencia.
Hamilton is the third F1 driver to test positive for COVID-19 this season, following Sergio Perez at Silverstone and Lance Stroll in Germany.
Formula One organizers said Hamilton needs a negative test before he is allowed to return to the F1 paddock and therefore remains a dubious starter for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
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